Michigan Football: Updating key position battles for Wolverines

O-line

As far as the offensive line is concerned, it sounds like another quality competition. Harbaugh has basically named Ryan Hayes, Andrew Stueber, and Zak Zinter as starters, leaving two spots left to be filled.

The one caveat is that Harbaugh hasn’t really said where they could play. Hayes will be the left tackle.  Stueber will play right tackle or right guard and Zinter will either be at left guard or center.

So there are some moving pieces and veterans such as Chuck Filiaga and Andrew Vastardis — players who started a year ago but struggled — are pushing to keep their jobs.

Harbaugh mentioned both players are playing some of the best football of their careers. But Karsen Barnhart is also coming on, as is Trevor Keegan and Trente Jones.

"“Trevor Keegan and Chuck Filiaga both had really good summers. Chuck has his hands inside now and is playing down after down; so much improvement from spring ball to where he is right now. They’re really popping. Trente Jones has really come into his own. It’s a race up front right now. First day yesterday (Thursday) was in pads; here comes Karsen Barnhart popping big time. Whatever Andrew (Vastardis) is playing his best football here so far.”"

With three really good running backs in Hassan Haskins, Blake Corum, and Donovan Edwards, the ground game should be a strength in 2021 and much of that will depend on the success of the offensive line.

I still don’t love the idea of starting Vastardis and Filiaga, following their performances from last season, but their improvement will at least add depth, and Michigan football is going to need 8-9 guys to get through the season most likely anyway.

My hope still is that the offensive line looks like this in the opening game: Hayes, Keegan, Zinter, Stueber, and Barnhart.